Hypocrisy is like drunkenness. It’s easy to spot in others but once you are under the influence, you’re hard-pressed to identify it in yourself.

And hypocrisy, as the scriptures say, is something like yeast. A little goes a long way.

So, just as “driving while buzzed” can cause accidents as easily as “driving while drunk,” so a little bit of hypocrisy can cause widespread destruction in your life and in the lives of those around you as easily as being a full-on poser.

I worry about being at risk for homegrown hypocrisy. It’s a danger for every believer but, especially, for those who have spent years following Jesus or who have been raised in believing homes. It shouldn’t be that way but there’s no avoiding the fact that once one learns how to look like a Christian, it’s easy to use the outer person as a cover for inner inconsistencies.

Recently, I discovered a sort of scriptural breathalyzer test for hypocrisy. Here is how it works. Read the following passage from the gospel of Luke and gauge the amount of fear you feel while reading it.

“Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.” Luke 12:1-3

Now, check your fear factor on this completely unscientific hypocrisy meter:

Zero Fear: You’re kidding yourself. Refer to I John 1:8, spend some time with God and come back to retake the test when you’re ready to face the truth.

Fear Level 1-3: Keep it up. You’ve been taking scripture seriously and working to insure that your visible life is consistent with your private life. Don’t stop. Stand firm to the finish line.

Fear Level 4-5: Take it as a warning. Devote some time immediately to asking God for help in uncovering areas of inconsistency and patchy integrity. Be willing to be real with God and honest with yourself.

Fear Level 6- 9: Danger! Danger! Will Robinson! You are at serious risk of unchecked Pharisaical level hypocrisy. Turn immediately to God’s Word – do not pass Go, do not collect $200. Go to Matthew 23 and read repeatedly – wash, rinse, repeat.

Fear Level 10: This is a dicey area. It could be that you are just tenderhearted and sensitive. Read Romans 8 and remember you were saved by grace. OR It could be that it’s time for you to repent. Stop pretending now before it’s too late. Stop faking your way through life. Repent and call on the Lord to help you change to be a man or woman of integrity before your secret life is shouted from the rooftops!

Hypocrisy is toxic – like mustard gas of the soul. The visible church is rife with it, people pretending to be something they’re not. The poisonous fumes of so many hypocrites gathered under one roof can surely choke some seekers out of access to the pure oxygen of the message of Christ.

This breathalyzer test is very unscientific, very tongue in cheek but the mirror of God’s word is a no-nonsense cold shower for the soul at risk.

Friends don’t let friends practice hypocrisy.

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1 Comment

The Conversation

1. Mining for Diamonds says:

   February 9, 2011 at 4:49 pm

   I once heard a pastor’s wife say that pride was like bad breath…everybody knows you have it but you! Sounds like hypocrisy is the same way! This is an extremely insightful post, and I think you hit on something powerful…hypocrisy breads where there is a lack of the fear and reverence of God. Thank you for sharing yet another hard hitting, powerpacked post!!!

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